United Way of Leeds-Grenville Celebrated Volunteers on Thursday Morning

Brockville – United Way Leeds & Grenville (UWLG) proudly launched its 2025 campaign, Hope Starts with You, with an unforgettable Volunteer Breakfast on May 1 at the Brockville Country Club. The sold-out event brought together over 100 supporters, community leaders, volunteers, and agency partners, all united by one shared mission: to build a more compassionate, resilient Leeds & Grenville.

Board Chair Ian McFall opened the morning with powerful reflections on the energy in the room, noting, “There is incredible energy in the room this morning. This is Volunteer Week in Canada. Volunteers make waves. A big thank you to all in attendance today, for your spirit of giving and volunteerism.”

The event, generously sponsored by Brockville Hyundai, marked the official unveiling of the Hope Starts with You campaign—an inspiring call to action that emphasizes the power of individual and collective impact. Attendees were gifted beautifully packaged seed pods donated by Developmental Services of Leeds & Grenville (DSLG), symbolizing how even the smallest acts of kindness can grow into lasting change.

The morning also featured three outstanding guest speakers—David Beatty, Chris Curry, and Jordi Wills—each sharing personal stories of leadership, service, and the transformative power of community. Their heartfelt messages underscored the campaign’s theme and reminded guests that hope truly does start with each of us.

United Way Leeds & Grenville was proud to present its 2024 Volunteer Awards to individuals and workplaces that demonstrated exceptional leadership, generosity, and community spirit throughout the year. Workplace awards—known as the Chair’s Cups—were presented to organizations that led the way in their sectors through successful United Way campaigns. Individual and special recognition awards celebrated those who went above and beyond in their commitment to making a difference.

Award recipients included:

• Chairs Cup – Finance: TD Bank Brockville
• Chairs Cup – Industrial: 3M Canada, Brockville
• Chairs Cup – Public Service: Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign
• Chairs Cup – Health & Social Service: Leeds Grenville Community Family Health Team
• Rural Strong Award: Stoodley’s Kitchen and Beverage

Special Volunteer Awards included:

• Gord Brown Memorial Award: Darren Gallacher
• Unsung Hero Award: Barb Geggie

These recipients exemplify what it means to lead with heart, and we thank them for their incredible contributions to building a stronger Leeds & Grenville.

UWLG proudly announced its 2025/2026 funded community partners. The total investment of $354,459 will support a variety of essential programs and services across Leeds & Grenville. This diverse group of programs represents the wide-reaching impact of United Way donors and the collective strength of the Leeds & Grenville community.

2025/2026 Funded Partners & Programs:

1. Big Brothers Big Sisters – One to One Matching Program – $20,000
2. Beth Donovan Hospice – Expanding Caregiver Support – $8,459
3. CPHC – Senior Support Services – Subsidy Program – $20,000
4. CRCHC – Country Roads Community Health Centre – Meals to Go – $10,000
5. Connect Youth – Core Program – $30,000
6. DIFA – Do it for Aaron – Music Lending Library – $10,000
7. FCSLLG – Family and Children Services LLG – Camp Program – $12,500
8. FCSLLG – Family and Children Services LLG – Family Counselling – $15,000
9. Gananoque Food Bank – Weekend Bundle Program – $15,000
10. Girls Inc. – The Girls Inc. Experience – $25,000
11. Interval House – Children’s Programming – $10,000
12. KYC – Kemptville Youth Centre – Healthy Minds, Body and Spirits–$25,000
13. LLGAMH – Lanark Leeds Grenville Addictions and Mental Health – United Way Cares for Leeds & Grenville – $30,000
14. Thousand Islands Playhouse – Young Company Program – $10,000
15. Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation – Outdoor Education Access–$10,000
16. RNJ Youth Services – Connections Program – $30,000
17. SCS – Seniors Community Services – Senior Care Access – $10,000
18. Volunteer Centre Rideau St. Lawrence – Community Income Tax Program–$20,000
19.  YMCA of Eastern Ontario – Bermout Program – $13,500
20. YMCA of Eastern Ontario – Teen Drop-In Program – $30,000

What’s Next?

United Way Leeds & Grenville’s 2025 campaign continues throughout the year with exciting events, workplace campaigns, and volunteer opportunities. Everyone is invited to get involved, because hope does start with you.

To donate, volunteer, or learn more about UWLG’s work, please visit www.uwlg.org or call 613- 342-8889.